The Community Junior College: Target Population, Program Costs and Cost Differentials.

Wattenbarger, James L.; And Others

The development of more detailed information about potential costs of post-high school education at less than the baccalaureate degree level was the purpose of this study. Fifteen comprehensive community-junior colleges in seven states were selected to provide input data on target population, patterns of financial support, anticipated support needs, and program cost differentials. To determine the cost of educating a student in particular curricula, six related studies were conducted. Following are some of the significant findings of the study. First of all, the potential student population by 1980 will range from 4.5 million to 12 million. In addition, junior colleges would require at least $6.2 billion (in 1969 dollars) by 1980, if one projects anticipated needs from current expenditures. In the past, local funds and student tuition have been the major sources of financial support; however, there appears to be a trend toward state support, and an increasing emphasis on federal funds. Finally, in analyzing the cost differentials of various programs, it appears that--except for business-related courses--occupational programs are more expensive to operate than general education programs. In some instances, the differential exceeds 100 per cent, and can be even greater if equipment cost estimates are included. (JO)